SRINAGAR: In a boost to Jammu and Kashmir’s horticulture exports, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) on Thursday facilitated the first export consignment of premium Areko cherries and Scentrose plums from Shopian and Pulwama districts to Singapore.
The shipment, organised in collaboration with M/s Osum Food Solutions LLP and M/s Fruit Master Agro Fresh Private Limited, Pulwama, marks the first overseas export of the two premium fruit varieties from Kashmir to the Southeast Asian nation.
A flag-off ceremony was held in Srinagar to mark the occasion, with APEDA describing the initiative as a significant step towards expanding global market access for high-value horticultural produce from Jammu and Kashmir.
Officials said the export is expected to strengthen India’s presence in premium international fruit markets while opening new avenues for Kashmir’s fruit growers to secure better prices for their produce. Singapore, where demand for premium imported fruits continues to rise, is seen as a key gateway for expanding exports of Kashmir’s temperate fruits into Southeast Asia.
The consignment comprised high-density European sweet Areko cherries and Scentrose plums cultivated using scientific orchard management practices in Shopian and Pulwama. The fruits were harvested at optimum maturity and subjected to grading, sorting, packing and cold-chain handling to meet international food safety and phytosanitary standards before shipment.
According to APEDA, the export reflects coordinated efforts by the authority, exporters, growers and other stakeholders to strengthen the region’s horticultural export ecosystem through improved quality standards, logistics and market development.
Officials said initiatives aimed at connecting growers directly with premium overseas markets are expected to improve price realisation, encourage export-oriented cultivation, promote better post-harvest management practices and contribute to increasing farmers’ incomes while supporting the sustainable growth of Jammu and Kashmir’s horticulture sector.
